Plans for England to be bovine TB free by 2038

A report published on 10 June is the groundwork for a new bovine tuberculosis (bTB) strategy that aims to enable England to achieve bTB-free status by 2038. The report, set out as a ‘proposed strategy’, was developed by an independent steering group of farmers, scientists, vets, academics, Defra and the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA). It now sits with Defra to evaluate the recommendations and take decisions on delivery.

The review was triggered in part by the Labour government manifesto pledge to end the badger cull by the end of this Parliament, but also the need to take firm action to maintain the recent reductions in bTB incidents, which are costly to the taxpayer and farmers. The report has the support of the Farming Minister, Dame Angela Eagle, and the government is already delivering on some of the recommendations – such as the development of cattle vaccines, improved testing methods, a badger vaccination field force and a new badger found dead programme to monitor TB in badgers.

The ambition for England to be bTB-free will be welcome by all in the industry who have been affected by infection in the herds, but it is still a long road ahead. It requires working in partnership and a commitment from all parties including farmers and the government. Much of this will depend on the resources and funding available to build on current progress. A particular concern for many farmers will be the move away from badger culling while the research and cattle vaccine deployment is ongoing. It will be essential to monitor progress, and ideally keep badger culling as part of the toolbox until we are certain of the effectiveness of other methods.

"We welcome the ambition to make England bovine TB-free by 2038," says CLA South West Director Ann Maidment. "For many farmers and land managers, the devastating impact of bTB on livelihoods, animal welfare and mental wellbeing is well understood, and reducing disease incidence must remain a national priority.

"Success will depend on long-term commitment, clear delivery and adequate funding. It is also vital that disease control remains evidence-led. As new tools such as cattle vaccination are developed, existing measures must remain available until alternatives are proven to be fully effective."

The proposed strategy has five main goals with 39 recommendations, and a delivery plan based around a local partnership approach:

• Continuing reduction in bTB across regions - most bTB spreads between cattle with actions including improved testing and more control with farmers.
• Using TB data for better decisions - more information sharing and local TB intelligence on herd risks.
• Staying TB-free through prevention and earlier action – learn what works in the local area, and plans for a cattle vaccine and a DIVA test for infection amongst vaccinated cattle by 2030.
• Strengthen local partnership action - including use of more sensitive tests and additional private testing, innovation and shared responsibility.
• Act beyond cattle - based in science to manage other farmed species and wildlife where they pose a risk, including vaccination of badgers.

It is highlighted that governance will be key, with a recommendation for a government led strategy board to oversee and drive the delivery of the bovine TB strategy. The board would have broad membership, similar to the steering group, and it will set the delivery plan and report to ministers. 

However, for farmers and land managers the important issue will be having the right support at a farm level, from advice, data and financial support to take appropriate actions. The partnership, working at a local level with plans for local groups, will need leadership backed by good data and analysis. The report and more information can be found at the TB hub.

We're keen to hear your views on the proposed strategy and recommendations. Please contact susan.twining@cla.org.uk with your views.